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Stepping Stones
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(250) 472-8304
  • Home
  • Services
  • Contact Us
  • Enroll
  • Careers
  • Funding
(250) 472-8304

Funding & Financial Support

Enroll Your Child

How We Support You

We know that every family’s situation is unique. Our goal is to make funding as stress-free as possible by:

  • Explaining your options clearly.
  • Helping with applications and renewals.
  • Coordinating services so your funding stretches further.
  • Advocating with you to ensure your child receives the support they need.
     

Contact Us For Your Questions

Autism Funding (AFU – MCFD)

The Autism Funding Unit (AFU) provides direct financial support for children with an ASD diagnosis in British Columbia:


  • Under age 6: Families may access up to $22,000 per year.
  • Ages 6–19: Families may access up to $6,000 per year.


These funds can be used for services at Stepping Stones, including:


  • Behaviour Analytic Services (BCBA, RBT & BI)
  • Speech-Language Therapy (SLP & SLP-A)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT & OTA)
  • Counselling
  • Social Groups & Camps
  • Parent Coaching

How we help

 

  • Preparing Requests to Pay (RTPs) so services can be billed directly.
  • Submitting Justification for Equipment & Supplies (JFE) for approval of specialized tools, sensory items, or adaptive supports.
  • Guiding parents step by step to ensure paperwork is complete and approved quickly.
     

Question? Contact Us

Other Sources of Funding

Extended Health Benefits (Private Insurance)

Many private health insurance plans cover services such as:

  • Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Counselling

Families may be asked to pay upfront and submit invoices to their insurer. Our admin team provides receipts and documentation to make this process as smooth as possible.

At Home Program (AHP)

 The At Home Program, offered through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, provides benefits for children with severe disabilities. Some families may qualify for additional funding for equipment, respite, and specialized supports.

Jordan’s Principle (First Nations & Inuit Families)

Indigenous children and families may be eligible for funding through Jordan’s Principle, which ensures that First Nations and Inuit children can access the supports and services they need without delay.

Charitable & Community Grants

Some families may also qualify for funding through charitable organizations and community programs. Examples include:

  • President’s Choice Children’s Charity
  • Variety – The Children’s Charity
  • Local service clubs and foundations

Our team can help connect you with community resources when additional support may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at accounts@steppingstonesvictoria.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Yes! we regularly assist families with RTPs, JFEs, and insurance documentation to ensure services are approved and funded 


We will work with you to adjust therapy hours, explore alternative funding, or connect you with community resources to maintain continuity of care. 


Yes. Many families combine AFU funding with private insurance or other grants. 


An RTP (Request to Pay) is a form that allows service providers (like Stepping Stones) to be paid directly from your Autism Funding. A JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies) is used to request approval for specialized equipment or supplies, such as sensory tools, communication devices, or adaptive supports.


No. Autism Funding is allocated per child and cannot be transferred or combined between siblings 


Processing times vary, but it typically takes 2–4 weeks. We recommend submitting requests as early as possible. 


Yes. Families can make changes at any time, but a new RTP will need to be submitted to the Autism Funding Unit for the new provider 


Autism Funding is only available once a diagnosis is confirmed. However, some families may access services through private insurance, the At Home Program, Jordan’s Principle, or community grants while waiting for assessment 


Yes, but only if it’s directly related to your child’s autism intervention plan. A JFE must be submitted, and the Autism Funding Unit must approve the purchase 


While families must submit claims directly to their insurer, we provide detailed receipts and supporting documentation to make the process as smooth as possible 


 Autism Funding ends at age 18. At 19, your child may transition to adult services, which are funded differently. We can guide families toward next-step resources and community supports during this transition.


Funding Glossary

AFU (Autism Funding Unit)

JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies)

AFU (Autism Funding Unit)

 

The provincial government program that manages autism funding in BC. Families submit paperwork (RTPs, JFEs) to AFU to access their child’s funding.

RTP (Request to Pay)

JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies)

AFU (Autism Funding Unit)

 

A form used to allow a service provider (like Stepping Stones) to be paid directly from your child’s autism funding.

JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies)

JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies)

JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies)

 

A request form for specialized items such as sensory tools, communication devices, or adaptive learning materials. The AFU must approve the purchase before it can be funded.

AHP (At Home Program)

AHP (At Home Program)

JFE (Justification for Equipment & Supplies)

 

A program that provides additional support for children with complex medical or developmental needs. Some families may qualify for medical, respite, or equipment benefits.

Jordan’s Principle

AHP (At Home Program)

Jordan’s Principle

 

A federal program for First Nations children that ensures they have access to the health, social, and educational supports they need without service delays due to funding disputes.

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Stepping Stones Therapy

480C Tennyson Pl, Victoria, BC V8Z 3P6, Canada

(250) 472-8304

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